5-Day Surfing Adventure in South India: Beaches, Waves, and Culture

Day 1: Surfing and Beach Relaxation

Kovalam, Kerala on May 2, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Sree Mahavir Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with dosa, idli, and filter coffee to energize for your day of surfing.
INR150, 1h

9:30AM

Surfing lessons at Kovalam Beach

Join a beginner-friendly surfing school that teaches you the basics of surfing on gentle waves, ideal for all skill levels.
INR1500, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at The Lighthouse Restaurant

Relish fresh seafood with local spices right by the beach—try the Kerala fish curry served with rice.
INR700, 1h

1:30PM

Relax and swim at Kovalam Lighthouse Beach

Explore the crescent-shaped beach and enjoy swimming or sunbathing in the tranquil waters.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Evening surf session

Catch the late afternoon waves with a local surf guide to enhance your skills.
INR1000, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Moonlight Restaurant

Experience authentic Kerala cuisine with specialties like Malabar parotta and egg roast in a cozy seaside setting.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cliffside Surfing and Exploration

Varkala, Kerala on May 3, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café del Mar

Try organic coffee and fresh fruit smoothies along with light South Indian breakfast options.
INR250, 1h

8:30AM

Travel from Kovalam to Varkala

Drive approximately 1.5 hours north to the coastal cliffs of Varkala, known for its surfing spots and stunning views.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 1.5h

10:00AM

Surfing at Varkala Beach

Enjoy surfing in the picturesque setting with moderate waves suitable for all levels.
INR1200, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at 'The Juice Shack'

Refresh with healthy salads, fresh juices, and sandwiches at this casual, popular beach spot.
INR400, 1h

1:30PM

Explore Varkala Cliff and Janardhana Swamy Temple

Walk along the cliffs for spectacular views and visit the historic temple known for its ancient Dravidian architecture.
Free, 1.5h

3:00PM

Afternoon Surf Session

Practice your surfing skills or rent a board to enjoy the waves at your leisure.
INR800, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Darjeeling Café

Enjoy international and Indian fusion dishes with a chilled ambience overlooking the cliffs.
INR700, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Surf and Sightseeing

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu on May 4, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with traditional South Indian breakfast including uttapam and hot chai.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00AM

Travel from Varkala to Mahabalipuram

Fly or take a 5-hour drive cover about 360 km to reach Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient monuments and good surf.
INR3500 (flight approx.) or INR2500 (taxi), 5h

1:30PM

Lunch at Moonrakers Restaurant

Enjoy fresh fish dishes and traditional Tamil Nadu flavors near Mahabalipuram beach.
INR600, 1h

2:30PM

Surfing session at Mahabalipuram Beach

Surf the waves against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Shore Temple and rock carvings.
INR1000, 2h

5:00PM

Explore Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas

Visit these iconic 7th-century monuments, perfect for culture lovers and photographers.
INR50, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Dine on coastal cuisine with a great view of the Bay of Bengal, offering dishes like prawn masala and coconut rice.
INR700, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Beach Surfing & French Quarter

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu on May 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Try fresh French pastries and strong South Indian filter coffee in a charming ambiance.
INR350, 1h

8:30AM

Travel from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry

Short 1-hour drive to Pondicherry, known for its French colonial heritage blended with Indian culture.
INR800 (cab), 1h

9:30AM

Surfing at Serenity Beach

Catch surf waves at Serenity Beach, a quieter spot with reliable swell and surf schools available.
INR1000, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Dupleix

Dine in a heritage villa offering a mix of French and Indian flavors in an elegant setting.
INR900, 1h

1:15PM

Walk through French Quarter

Explore colorful streets, colonial buildings, and vibrant cafes in Pondicherry’s historic French Quarter.
Free, 2h

3:30PM

Visit Auroville Matrimandir (registration needed)

Experience the peace and philosophy of Auroville with a brief visit to the Matrimandir meditation center.
Free, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at Surguru

Taste authentic Tamil vegetarian cuisine with dishes like sambar, rasam, and crispy dosas in a casual setting.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Final Surf and Coastal Village

Manapad, Tamil Nadu on May 6, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast including pongal and coconut chutney to prepare for travel and surfing.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Travel from Pondicherry to Manapad

Drive approximately 3.5 hours south along the coast to Manapad, a serene fishing village and quiet surfing spot.
INR2500 (taxi fare approx.), 3.5h

12:00PM

Lunch at local seaside café

Try freshly caught fish and coastal Tamil Nadu dishes at a humble beachside café in Manapad.
INR500, 1h

1:00PM

Afternoon Surfing session at Manapad Beach

Enjoy less crowded waves and peaceful surroundings, perfect for an experienced surfer to unwind.
INR700, 2h

4:00PM

Explore Manapad Church and beach walk

Visit the historic seaside Roman Catholic church and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastline.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at the Beachside inn

Savour traditional Tamil coastal dishes with local spices while enjoying sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability